Stages
In greenhouses and other glass structures, Stages are erected on which to stand plants that are grown in pots. They are generally constructed of wood, but are much more substantial when the uprights are made of iron, and the shelves of slate. If plants are found to get dry too frequently on slate Stages, it is an easy matter to spread a little fine ashes, spar, or shell, over the surface, beneath the pots, for retaining moisture. Step-stages are those made so that one shelf is situated above the other, in a similar way to stairs; they are frequently preferred for the centre of a span-roofed greenhouse, or for the back part of a lean-to structure. The shelves in Step-stages are best made of battens, which may be fixed at any distance apart, according as the plants intended to be stood upon them are in mediumsized or small pots.